Op-Ed: Shop Local This Holiday Season

By Elaine Phillips

The only thing that beats shopping online from the comfort of your couch is walking into a neighborhood business, owned by a local family, and keeping your hard-earned money right here in Nassau County.

Retail establishments employ almost 70,000 people in Nassau; accommodations and food services employ another 54,000. The arts, entertainment and recreation employ more than 50,000 – that’s approximately 174,000 workers who spend a good portion of their paychecks on rent, groceries, household supplies and more right here at home.

When we support local businesses, we support our local economy.

Commercial properties paid $1.18 billion in property and school taxes in Nassau in 2024. In fact, if we had no commercial properties paying taxes in Nassau County, the average homeowner would pay approximately $2,500 more in property and school taxes, which could be anywhere from $460 to $7,800 more per year in school taxes alone.

Because when businesses contribute, residents pay less.

So when you shop, dine out, and go to cultural events this holiday season, make sure to STAY LOCAL!

Nassau County has virtually every type of store, restaurant, museum and theater. And if you’re not sure what to get for someone on your holiday shopping list, consider a gift card from a favorite local business.

The local merchants will appreciate the support and you’ll be keeping your money right here in Nassau County.

Our County has been named the Safest County in America and one of the Top 10% Healthiest Counties in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and Best County in New York to live in, the County with the Best Public Schools, and the Best County for retirees and young professionals by Niche ratings. Let's keep our hard-earned money right here!

For ideas and suggestions about where to shop, dine and play locally, ask your friends and neighbors, take a walk in one of our many wonderful downtowns, or visit the Nassau County Long Island website: https://nassaucountytourism.com/.

BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON! 

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Elaine Phillips is the Nassau County Comptroller.  She previously served as a NYS Senator and Mayor of the Village of Flower Hill.